Cinco de Mayo DC celebrations stretch across five full days this year. Furthermore, the fiesta starts Friday, May 1!
Multi-Day Fiestas Across the District
First, dLeña and dLeña ROJA anchors the celebration in Mount Vernon Triangle. The run goes Friday, May 1 through Tuesday, May 5. Expect scallop aguachile, ribeye tacos, and carne tampiqueña. Additionally, a trombone-led ensemble plays classic Mexican songs Friday and Saturday from 8-10pm.
Next, Taqueria Xochi (RAMMY Finalist) is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with a multi-day lineup at its Navy Yard location, ft programming from Friday through Tuesday including a Latin heartbreak–themed karaoke night on Friday, DJ Melina on Saturday, and DJ Yani on Tues (Cinco de Mayo). Both Arlington & Navy Yard will have an all-day Xochi Hour throughout the weekend prior and festive Cinco de Mayo decor.
Xochi will also debut the “Sinaloa Dog” on May 1, a bacon-wrapped hot dog inspired by Northern Mexican street food.
Meanwhile, Vera Cocina & بار marks its third anniversary on Sunday, May 3. The evening starts with welcome bites in the Atrio. Then resident DJs take over upstairs.
Where to Find the Best Cinco de Mayo DC Margaritas
Notably, Lulu’s Winegarden returns May 5 from 5-10pm. Specials include $7 fish tacos, $10 queso, and $9 Casa Margs. Also new this year: a free Mexican beer blind tasting from 5-7pm. Guests vote for the summer house beer. Meanwhile, Pisco y Nazca pours $10 margaritas during its 4-7pm happy hour across DMV locations.
Similarly, Fish Taco serves margaritas, fish tacos, and quesadillas. The seasonal Roasted Avocado returns at all five Maryland and Virginia locations from 11am-8:30pm. Additionally, Mi Vida brings classic Mexican favorites to Penn Quarter. Likewise, Dos Toros keeps the burritos, bowls, and tacos flowing fast and fresh – and they offer beer, wine, and spiked seltzers!
Rooftops, Races, and Neighborhood Gems
First, Treehouse Rooftop delivers $10 frozen marg-and-shot combos all night. Meanwhile, Lucha Rosa atop the Moxy serves vibrant Mexican plates with skyline views. Next, Mezcalero at La Cosecha plates Chefs Alfredo and Jessica Solis’s signature Solis Molcajete.
Additionally, Mission Navy Yard, Los Caballeros on Capitol Hill, Paraiso, and Oyamel round out the citywide menu of agave-fueled options.
Finally, the 14th annual Running of the Chihuahuas sprints into District Square on Saturday, May 2 from 2-5pm. Likewise, the Bryant Street Block Party delivers live mariachi and salsa lessons starting at noon.
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